U.S. to boost military sales to India including F-35 fighter jets

In a significant shift in defense relations, U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday that the United States will substantially increase military sales to India starting in 2025, including the eventual sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets. Speaking at a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump outlined the agreement, emphasizing a long-term partnership aimed at strengthening both nations’ defense capabilities.

“We’ll be increasing military sales to India by many billions of dollars. We’re also paving the way to ultimately provide India with the F-35 stealth fighters,” Trump said, signaling a new phase in U.S.-India defense cooperation. While no specific timeline was given, such high-tech transactions typically take years to finalize due to the complexities of foreign military sales.

The F-35 jet, a state-of-the-art fighter aircraft produced by Lockheed Martin, is currently used by several U.S. allies, including Britain, Australia, Israel, and Japan. Its inclusion in India’s military assets would mark a significant shift, as India has traditionally relied on Russian-made equipment, including fighter jets, to equip its military. However, India’s growing defense ties with the U.S., along with geopolitical considerations, have led the country to seek diversification of its arms suppliers.

Trump also discussed the broader scope of U.S.-India relations, which include a new agreement to export more U.S. oil and gas to India, aiming to reduce the trade deficit between the two nations. Additionally, the two leaders emphasized their shared commitment to combatting “radical Islamic terrorism,” highlighting the growing security collaboration between Washington and New Delhi.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified later that the process for acquiring advanced military equipment, including the F-35, had not yet begun. “I don’t think with regard to the acquisition of an advanced aviation platform by India, that process has started as yet,” Misri said, noting that India’s approach to foreign military procurement involves an extensive evaluation process.

Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35, has confirmed that any discussions regarding the sale of these advanced jets would take place at the government-to-government level, with the U.S. Pentagon serving as an intermediary.

This announcement comes amid shifting global defense dynamics, as Russia, traditionally India’s primary arms supplier, faces challenges in meeting India’s demands due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. With India projected to spend more than $200 billion over the next decade to modernize its military, the new U.S.-India defense deal is poised to reshape the region’s security landscape.